Crew History

The Klamath Hotshots were established in 2001 as part of the National Fire Plan in response to the devastating fires of 2000.  The maximum efficiency level for the Klamath National Forest called for the addition of an Interagency Hotshot Crew and the Oak Knoll Work Center was selected as the host site.
Johnny Clem was selected as the superintendent of the Klamath IHC, and was able to gain certification as an IHC in August of the crew’s first year.

Transportation for the crew was originally “six packs” provided by the forest.  Mid-way through the first year the crew took delivery of two new International crew hauls.  Those buggies turned over 100,000 miles while travelling on I-5 over the Grapevine while returning from the Harris and Poomacha fires in the fall of 2007.  2010 saw delivery of two new crew hauls, as well as a new superintendent vehicle.

In 2003 the crew was able to complete the construction of two new bunkhouses with rooms for up to 18 personnel.  In 2009 the overhead moved out of the barn, which had served as the crew’s office since its inception and into a modular office space with room for training.  Until this time all classes facilitated by the crew were held in the local Klamath River Community Hall.

For physical training the crew can often be found hiking its PT hill behind the Oak Knoll Work Center.  Red Line, the Repeater and The Wall are a few of the more memorable spots that can be found along the way.  A few new hikes have been added since the crew’s first year, but the original route up the hill is still in use to this day.  A rustic weight lifting facility, pull-up bars and volleyball court are available to the crew for additional physical training.


Superintendent:            Johnny Clem                  2001- Present

Captains:                   
                                     Kevin Smyth                  2013- Present    
                                     Andrew (Butters) Zink   2013 - Present
                                    Charlie McCarthy           2012 (Detailed)
                                    Aaron Schuh                   2009 - 2011
                                    Devin Parks                    2009 - 2012
                                    Terry Lim                       2010 (Detailed)
                                    Victor Guitierrez            2008 (Detailed)
                                    Brett Loomis                  2007-2009
                                    Devin Parks                    2007 (Detailed)
                                    Aaron Schuh                  2005-2007
                                    Scott English                  2001-2004
                                    Asad Rahman                 2001-2008